From TIMEPIECE
Written by Johnny Mercer & Victor Schertzinger
Toward the end of the seventies, Kenny Rogers was the first country superstar to crossover into the pop market. This occurred due to his velvet voice and wise choice of collaborators like David Foster and Lionel Richie. Foster produced huge hits for the singer like “We’ve Got Tonight” and “What About Me.” In the nineties, Rogers called his friend Foster for help with a new project he was planning along the same lines as Foster’s masterpiece, Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable.” The new partnership resulted in “Timepiece,” a collection of standards beautifully crafted by Foster with Johnny Mandel and Jeremy Lubbock, two of the most talented arrangers ever. Foster put the usual amount of quality and passion in the pristine and impeccable production plus he also helped release “Timepiece” through his company, 143 Records. The most pleasant surprise of the record is the vocal performance of the singer who’s absolutely at ease singing old standards with top-notch taste, phrasing and style. One of the best moments of the collection is the opener, “I Remember You.” Mandel’s arrangement here is soft and sweet as honey with lush strings and orchestra backing Rogers’ tender and nostalgic performance. The whole album is an absolute listening joy with enchanting renditions of evergreens like “My Funny Valentine,” “But Beautiful” and “The Nearness Of You.”
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/i_remember_you.mp3|titles=I remember you|artists=Kenny Rogers]
Lead Vocal: Kenny Rogers
Piano: Mike Melvoin, Terry Trotter & Randy Waldman
Bass: Chuck Domanico & John Patitucci
Drums: John Guerin & Jeff Hamilton
Guitar: John Chiodini & Jon Pisano
Produced by David Foster
Co-Produced & Arranged by Johnny Mandel
Lyrics
I remember you,
You’re the one who made
My dreams come true
A few kisses ago.
I remember you,
You’re the one who said
“I love you, too,” I do.
Didn’t you know?
I remember, too,
A distant bell,
And stars that fell like rain
Out of the blue.
When my life is through,
And the angels ask me to recall
The thrill of them all,
Then I shall tell them
I remember you.